The implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is today an indisputable evidence-based treatment for cardiac sudden death both in primary and secondary prevention. However many clinical conditions that would represent an indication to ICD implantation, according to guidelines, may be potentially reversible or may be accompanied by temporary contraindications to the implant. Moreover transvenous cardioverter defibrillator implantation still carries a not negligible risk of complications both acutely and at follow-up...

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (S-ICDs) are considered an alternative to conventional transvenous ICDs (TV-ICDs) in patients not requiring pacing. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for studies evaluating efficacy and safety outcomes in S-ICD patients. Outcomes were pooled across studies. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included with 5380 participants (mean age range 33-56 years). Short-term follow-up data were available for 1670 subjects...

The number of children and adult with congenital heart disease requiring implantation of cardiac pacemaker or cardioverter defibrillator is constantly increasing. The lead between stimulation/defibrillation site and the generator constitutes the main weakpoint of those devices despite the numerous recent technological advances: use of bipolar probes, corticoid elution electrodes, insulation improvement, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility. Risk of device failure remains high in this population. Long term adverse events with endovascular devices remain high...

There have been many evolutionary milestones in cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) therapy over the past few decades. These advancements have created new challenges. Right ventricular pacing was the original (late 1950s) breakthrough, however the risk of pacing induced dyssynchrony has become evident. Biventricular pacing provided a viable way to mitigate dyssynchrony, but only benefits certain patients (primarily left bundle branch block and QRS duration ≥150 ms with depressed left ventricular (LV) function)...

Aims: Single-chamber (VR-ICD) and subcutaneous (S-ICD) implantable cardioverter-defibrillators are effective to protect patients against sudden death but expose them to higher risk of inappropriate shock (IS). We sought to quantify the annual rate and influencing factors of ISs in VR- and S-ICDs from the literature. Methods and results: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for full text articles with IS rates. Poisson distribution estimated proportion of patients with ISs; rates were annualized based on follow-up duration...

The introduction of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in clinical practice has revolutionized our therapeutic approach for both primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD), as it has proven to be superior to medical therapy in treating potentially life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and has resulted in reduced mortality rates. However, implantation of a conventional ICD carries a non-negligible risk of periprocedural and long-term complications associated with the transvenous ICD leads...

Sudden cardiac death is a major public health issue in Canada. However, despite the overwhelming evidence to support the use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in the prevention of cardiac death there remains significant variability in implantation rates across Canada. Since the most recent Canadian Cardiovascular Society position statement on ICD use in Canada in 2005, there has been a plethora of new scientific information to assist physicians in their discussions with patients considered for ICD implantation to prevent sudden cardiac death due to ventricular arrhythmias...

BACKGROUND: The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) is a novel implanted defibrillator for the prevention of sudden cardiac death that avoids intravascular access. Use of this device is limited by its inability to provide backup pacing. Combined use of the S-ICD with a permanent pacemaker may be the optimal choice in certain situations though experience with the use of both devices together remains limited. METHODS: We reviewed our single-center experience with the S-ICD from March 2011 to November 2015...

There has been a significant increase in the number of patients receiving cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED) over the last two decades. CIED infection represents a serious complication after CIED implantation and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recently, newly advanced technologies have offered attractive and suitable therapeutic alternatives. Notably, the leadless pacemaker and anti-bacterial envelope decrease the potential risk of CIED infection and the resulting mortality, when it does occur...

The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) was developed as a simple device to reduce the morbidity of ICD therapy while providing a comparable reduction in sudden death from ventricular fibrillation. This review highlights the differences compared to the traditional ICD. It includes recent data on safety and efficacy, as well as best practices on screening and programming, and discusses expected future developments.

AIMS: The safety and feasibility of a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) has been demonstrated in the treatment of life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT). Nonetheless, its safety and feasibility in an Asian population with smaller body-build is unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-one Asian patients who underwent S-ICD from 1 April 2014 to 2 February 2015 in five institutions in Hong Kong and Singapore were retrospectively reviewed...

Although conventional implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) have proved effective in the prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD), they still appear to be limited by non-trivial acute and long-term complications. The recent advent of an entirely subcutaneous ICD (S-ICD) represents a further step in the evolution of defibrillation technology towards a less-invasive approach. This review highlights some historical and current issues concerning the S-ICD that may offer a viable therapeutic option in selected patients at high risk of SCD and in whom pacing is not required...

The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) is a subcutaneous alternative to conventional transvenous ICD (TV-ICD) systems, which have previously been shown to treat life-threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmias in cardiac disease patients. A review of the literature reveals that S-ICDs have similar shock efficacy rates for both induced and spontaneous ventricular tachyarrhythmias when compared with TV-ICDs. Furthermore, S-ICDs seem to have a higher specificity for withholding therapy when supraventricular tachycardia is present compared with TV-ICDs...

The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) provides therapy for the prevention of sudden cardiac death while avoiding the numerous complications associated with transvenous leads. This relatively novel device employs an innovative approach to sensing and defibrillation from outside of the thoracic cage. Substantial data from cohort studies and registries have accrued and can be used to inform patient eligibility, implant technique, and efficacy compared with the standard transvenous ICD. This review serves to update the clinician as to current evidence and the nuances involved in the optimal utilization of this innovative technology...

Transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillators are a type of implantable cardiac device. They are effective at reducing total and arrhythmic mortality in patients at risk of sudden cardiac death. Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillators (S-ICDs) are a new alternative that avoids the disadvantages of transvenous lead placement. In this case series, we report on the initial feasibility and safety of S-ICD implantation in Singapore.

Important clinical trials and therapeutic advances in the field of cardiology have been presented in 2014. New evidences on the management of acute myocardial infarction and the duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after coronary stent implantation have been published. A new class of therapeutic agents seems to offer promising perspectives for patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. The new generation of subcutaneous or MRI-compatible implantable defibrillators is a major technological breakthrough...

BACKGROUND: Reticular telangiectatic erythema is a benign cutaneous reaction that may occur in patients who have received a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. Reticular telangiectatic erythema is characterized by asymptomatic telangiectasias, blanchable erythematous patches, or both overlying and/or adjacent to the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. PURPOSE: We describe a man who developed reticular telangiectatic erythema after receiving a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and review the salient features of this condition...

INTRODUCTION: Therapeutic procedures performed during cardiopulmonary resuscitation on patients in cardiac arrest or unconsciousness from any other cause can have serious adverse effects. Scale of injuries scale is very wide - from simple skin lacerations up to serious injuries which can even thwart possibility of successful resuscitation and cause death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Comprehensive review of current literature aimed at injuries associated with cardiopulmonary resuscitation...

The traditional transvenous defibrillator has been one of the greatest advancement in Cardiology in the last 30 years and has demonstrated to reduce arrhythmic and total mortality in selected patients. However the traditional defibrillator can have a high price to pay in terms of complications, the "weakest link" being the transvenous/endocardial leads. The entirely subcutaneous defibrillator (S-ICD) has recently entered into the clinical scenario and represents a valid alternative to the transvenous device...